Fulham Broadway

Enzo Fernandez has presented Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior with the first major internal disciplinary issue of his tenure at Stamford Bridge. The Argentina midfielder, 25, had only just arrived at Buenos Aires airport on international duty last month when he cast doubt on his Blues future. Fernandez subsequently spoke to a YouTuber and then appeared on TV alongside his partner Valentina Cervantes, first saying he would "like" and then would "love" to live in Madrid, while highlighting his admiration for former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos. Rosenior and Chelsea's hierarchy responded by issuing Fernandez with a two‑match internal suspension for "crossing a line". The ban ruled him out of the FA Cup tie against Port Vale and Sunday's Premier League game against Manchester City. HOW WILL IT BE RESOLVED ? It appears Fernandez is unlikely to back down unless he secures a new contract on significantly improved terms or is sold. However, facilitating an exit will be extremely difficult. Chelsea are well protected from a negotiating standpoint, with Fernandez under contract for a further six years until 2032. The club are also expected to hold out for at least the £107m they paid Benfica to sign him in 2023 - a British transfer record at the time. The situation also highlights how Chelsea's incentive‑based contracts, which include bonuses linked to goals, assists and Champions League qualification, can deliver value for the club but also prove frustrating for high‑profile players tied into lengthy deals. Demanding such a fee is likely to deter potential suitors. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have been linked but are considered unlikely to move under those conditions, while reports connecting Fernandez with PSG are understood to be wide of the mark. Rosenior has continued to extract strong performances from Fernandez and has spoken positively about their working relationship. Ultimately, it is expected that only financial resolution - in one form or another - will bring this situation to a close.

Thats an important point - they've normalised mediocrity. Lose three on the bounce and draw a couple, its how far we've sunk

Through to 12th Semi Final in 13 Years

Tricky one Kovacic like Makaleles goals were rarer than rocking horse shit, Santos needs to develop a bit more, so Enzo. But even hes not that brilliant

Yes, its a shame. Rosenior has susequently said he sat down with Cucurella, and said it is all now cool. Rather believe him than Blueco, but Enzo, yeah good player but hes no Essien 😃 We've had it before -remember Gallas...

Probably a few howlers against City

We'll smash em. Carefree...

Like Mike Tyson beating up a cripple

Robbie Williams watching by the pool in Barbados....Let us entertain you...

Think we've edged this one

Crisis ? What crisis ? Nothing to see here.

Delap might be able to bulldoze a goal

Plenty of time for Vale to come back

Tosin

Looks like it